High-intensity interval training

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is characterised by brief, intermittent bursts of near- or maximal-intensity exercise, interspersed by periods of active or passive recovery. The limited available evidence suggests that HIIT is an efficacious training method for young athletes. The effect of HIIT on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), endurance performance, explosive strength and sport-specific performance has been examined in a range of young athletic populations from various sports. Furthermore, promising preliminary findings suggest that HIIT may confer further benefits to a range of health outcome measures including fasting insulin, lipoproteins, systolic blood pressure and endothelial function; obese youth may benefit particularly from this type of training. Improved cardiorespiratory fitness has been observed consistently after HIIT in athletic and non-athletic populations. Larger studies, extended over longer periods, that include valid measures of exercise compliance, tolerance and enjoyment are required to further delineate the priority that could be afforded to this type of training.